Tough Kid

Snappy little Monogram programmer that hardly stops for a breath. Good thing since the plot's none too original. Seems young Skipper (Darro) helps train his brother Red (Purcell) who's on his way to a championship fight he's expected to win. Trouble is gamblers get involved and blackmail Red into losing the fight by hijacking his intended wife (Allen) through an elaborate scheme. But will Darro and buddies stand for it.

Darro's Darro, a junior sized dynamo who doesn't walk from here to there, but bolts instead, maybe a younger version of the great Cagney. Here however he's basically a nice kid, concerned with his brother and aging mother. In many ways Darro personified youthful fighting spirit of the Depression Era 30's, especially in that underrated Wild Boys Of The Road (1933). On the other hand actor Purcell hardly registers, but that's okay since Darro carries the film. Don't look for much eye candy, but do expect a ton of boxing in the ring, maybe too much for the hour's runtime.

All in all, it's a spirited exercise with some suspense since we can't be sure whether Red will throw the big fight or not.